How to File Unemployment Taxes in Pennsylvania as an Employer

Unemployment tax in Pennsylvania is a responsibility of business owners, as it helps fund the state workforce agencies protecting employees against job loss. Unemployment tax filing in Pennsylvania will be reported by employers on a quarterly basis within the Office of Unemployment Compensation. If employers are consistently filing taxes unemployed workers within the company will be covered by unemployment compensation when eligible. All employers should understand the unemployment tax rate in Pennsylvania and how this rate will affect them. The sections below will provide some necessary information that an employer must know.

What is the unemployment tax in Pennsylvania?

The unemployment tax is a tax that is paid by the employer to the federal government for all eligible employees. Even small businesses must participate in unemployment tax filing in PA, despite only having a few workers within the company. The tax for unemployment is not paid through an employee's wages, but instead by the employer on a quarterly basis. The employer will need to pay the unemployment tax rate in order to cover all employees within the business. It is often wondered, “Do employers have to pay unemployment taxes in Pennsylvania if certain staff works part-time?” This will depend on an employee's taxable wage base. If the base exceeds a certain amount, then an employer will have to file unemployment taxes. The Pennsylvania unemployment tax rate can fluctuate depending on a few variables. Employers should be aware of how to file unemployment taxes in order to make sure consequences and penalties are avoided.

What are the different ways to file unemployment tax in Pennsylvania?

Unemployment tax filing in Pennsylvania can happen in a few different ways. An employer will be responsible for paying the unemployment tax as part of the quarterly contribution. While employers will have the option of going online to file taxes, unemployed workers can also obtain unemployment compensation through a similar web portal. Most employers seek to find out how to file unemployment taxes online, since the electronic submission is often the simplest choice. However, unemployment insurance taxes can also be paid through mailing a report if necessary. You can download our unemployment employer taxes guide in order to learn more about filing unemployment taxes.

How to File Unemployment Taxes in Pennsylvania

Online unemployment tax filing in Pennsylvania is the most common way to file. Learning how to file unemployment taxes online can save time and headache for an employer, especially when it comes to making the necessary payments owed, as well. To file unemployment taxes online in PA, an employer will need to visit the online portal and create an account. The employer should follow the necessary online prompts until the submission is complete. An employer will be provided with an account number that can be used for all unemployment tax filing, online or otherwise. The account number will allow the Unemployment Compensation office to access the suggested unemployment insurance tax rate for a particular employer. For business owners who cannot file electronically, the option to file by mail is provided. To file taxes for unemployment by mail, the employer must fill out the report and mail it to the appropriate address. A self-enclosed envelope will be provided. It is often the easiest choice to file unemployment insurance taxes online, as payment remittance can also be handled electronically at the same time. To learn more about how to file unemployment taxes online in Pennsylvania, download our unemployment guide today.

Consequences for Not Filing Unemployment Taxes in Pennsylvania

The unemployment tax filing report must be submitted on a quarterly basis in order to ensure that unemployment compensation benefits are available to eligible employees. The reporting of unemployment tax in Pennsylvania will need to occur for all eligible employees. If an employer fails to file unemployment taxes for eligible employees, then legal action may be pursued. Even if there are no wages to be paid for a particular quarter, then “none” must be submitted. An employer who fails to pay PA unemployment taxes will be at risk for audits by the Unemployment Compensation office. Employers must keep track of wages and records in case of an audit so that they can provide proof of unemployment taxes being paid and being filed.

What Kind of Employment Development Services Are Available in Pennsylvania?

If you are currently unemployed and need help finding a job, the state of Pennsylvania offers unemployment benefits to eligible applicants, in order to help them get by while pursuing work. In addition to financial assistance, the Employment Development Division of Pennsylvania also offers training benefits, which allow unemployed individuals to learn new skills and get a higher education so that they can earn a better living. Find out more about these employment services by downloading our guide.

What Education Assistance Is Available in Pennsylvania?

Just as unemployed individuals can benefit from services offered by the state, so too can college students. Pennsylvania students can qualify for financial aid from the government, such as loans and grants, which can help them cover the costs of higher education. Find out how you can get financial assistance for your schooling by downloading our guide.